Economics Professor Werner Baer passed away Thursday from a sudden and brief illness, according to the University Economics Department website.

“The Department and University have lost an enormous contributor to the common good: A talented scholar with a passion for teaching and research, and also simply a passion for life,” the post said.

Professor Baer was well known in the University community and had been a faculty member since 1974. He specialized in Brazilian developmental economics and “was a critical interlocutor on Brazil’s economy.”

More information about services for Professor Baer will be announced, and according to the post, the Department of Economics will likely hold a memorial as well.